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PT. 1. SECT. IV. THE WRITINGS OF KWANG-BZE.
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disposition to strive for reputation, if he do not comprehend their minds ;-when in such a case he forcibly insists on benevolence and righteousness, setting them forth in the strongest and most direct language, before the tyrant, then he, hating (his reprover's) possession of those excellences, will put him down as doing him injury. He who injures others is sure to be injured by them in return. You indeed will hardly escape being injured by the man (to whom you go)!
Further, if perchance he takes pleasure in men of worth and hates those of an opposite character, what is the use of your seeking to make yourself out to be different (from such men about him)? Before you have begun to announce (your views), he, as king and ruler, will take advantage of you, and immediately contend with you for victory. Your eyes will be dazed and full of perplexity; you will try to look pleased with him; you will frame your words with care; your demeanour will be conformed to his; you will confirm him in his views. In this way you will be adding fire to fire, and water to water, increasing, as we may express it, the evils (which you deplore). To these signs of deferring to him at the first there will be no end. You will be in danger, seeing he does not believe you, of making your words more strong; and you are sure to die at the hands of such a tyrant.
And formerly Kieh 1 killed Kwan Lung-făng , and Kâu 8 killed the prince Pi-kan 4. Both of
1 The tyrant with whom the dynasty of Hsiâ ended. ? A worthy minister of Kieh. 8 The tyrant with whom the dynasty of Shang or Yin ended. - A half-brother of Kâu, the tyrant of the Yin dynasty.
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